Moves by Nike and Adidas to turbocharge their footwear supply chains through robotics and automated factories are not only set to shake up the athletic wear market but also position it for more full-price selling and reduced input costs, analysts say. And they believe the sector is already on the verge of this tectonic shift.

First feedback on last week's launch of the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark has welcomed the move – but warns against drawing conclusions too quickly and highlights a number of critical issues such as the quality and credibility of information, governance and price pressures.

Instead of our regular roundup of the most-read stories on just-style during the week, we thought a fitting end to the year would be to take a look at the top news stories on just-style in 2016. Cutting edge innovations, Africa growth, Brexit, worker safety, key apparel and footwear trends, and minimum wages were just some of the issues that made the headlines.

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Levi Strauss & Co is returning to its roots. The denim stalwart, which has been battling sluggish traffic trends, international challenges and a revolution in activewear, is looking to re-establish leadership in its sector. A touch of nostalgia, plenty of innovation, adjustments in sourcing strategy, and global expansion are all part of the plan. just-style talks with Seth Ellison, the group's president for Europe.

Without knowing the precise history of the products it sells and then being able to verify the claims it makes, Tim Wilson, CEO of Historic Futures, believes the apparel industry will never be able to make a real difference to issues ranging from sustainability to illegal subcontracting. He is now taking the company's String platform back to the drawing board to tackle the issue of total traceability across the clothing supply chain.

In the latest first-quarter filings from US apparel and footwear brands and retailers, PVH Corp saw revenues exceed guidance thanks to strength across the business, while Guess saw continued momentum in Europe and Asia push earnings and sales up in the three months ended 5 May. Dick's Sporting Goods raised its full-year outlook and Destination XL narrowed its net losses.

Shares in Nike Inc were up by 9.34% in pre-market trading as the US sporting goods giant reported double-digit increases in both earnings and revenue during the fourth quarter and booked a return to growth in North America, but full-year profits were knocked by the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Nike has come under fire again over its role in the FIFA World Cup after the Iranian national team accused the US sporting giant of failing to provide them with football boots just days before the tournament started.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup football tournament that kicks off later this week, major sponsors Adidas and Nike are accused of paying poverty wages to supply chain workers who make the football shirts and boots worn by players and supporters.

Top stories this week on just-style include the news that US President Donald Trump may explore the possibility of re-joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Better Buying and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) are to collaborate on an 18-month programme to tackle buying practices in Bangladesh, Nike develops what it claims is the first 3D-printed textile upper in performance footwear, and H&M launches a pilot to educate consumers on garment care.

US sporting goods giant Nike has acquired Israel-based fashion technology company Invertex as it continues to strengthen its digital technology and talent as part of its Consumer Direct Offense strategy.

Shares in Nike Inc slipped this morning (23 March) after a 4.47% hike in after-hours trading as the US sporting goods giant booked a loss in its third-quarter and announced the acquisition of a leading consumer data analytics firm as part of its Consumer Direct Offense strategy.

In a number of executive changes announced by US sporting goods giant Nike, the company's chairman, president and CEO Mark Parker is to remain in the role beyond 2020 – while Nike brand president Trevor Edwards, who had been seen as a potential successor to Parker, is to leave the business this summer.

A "major advancement" in Flyknit technology from US sporting goods giant Nike has allowed for a shoe upper to be constructed in a complete 360-degree form that wraps the entire foot, helping athletes feel more secure and controlled during their movements.

Sportswear brands Nike and Adidas, Swedish fashion retailer H&M, and US apparel giants VF Corp and PVH are among the recipients of the first Repreve Champions of Sustainability award created by US yarn maker Unifi.

Shares in Nike Inc regained their upward trajectory this morning (22 December) after slipping 2.27% in after-hours trading as the US sporting goods giant reported a mixed second-quarter, extended its deal with online behemoth Amazon and outlined a new pilot with apparel subscription service Stitch Fix.

Shares in Zotefoams, a leader in cellular material technology, were up by 12.9% this morning as the firm announced it has inked a strategic partnership to develop footwear technology and supply materials for US sportswear giant Nike.

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Sports apparel retailer Nike's delay in committing to a solid sales partnership with online retail giant Amazon could possibly have seen it lose out on sales yesterday (11 July) as the e-retailer slashed prices on products at some rival brands as part of its annual Prime Day event.

…Nike, at least according to Forbes. Its annual ranking of the top 100 most valuable companies is not surprisingly dominated by technology brands – led by Apple in the number one slot. But plenty of clothing brands and retailers also made it onto the list.